X-ray diagnostics apparatus capable of producing CT images and fluoroscopic images

Abstract

An x-ray diagnostics system includes an apparatus for producing computed tomography images and an apparatus for producing x-ray fluoroscopic images, and a common support system for an examination subject allocated both to the computed tomography apparatus and to the fluoroscopy apparatus. The support system includes a base movable along a guide rail between a first position allocated to the computed tomography apparatus and a second position allocated to the fluoroscopy apparatus.

We claim as our invention: 
     
       1. An x-ray-diagnostics system comprising: means for producing a computed tomography image of an examination subject;   means, separate from said means for producing a computed tomography image, for producing fluoroscopic images of said examination subject;   a support system for said examination subject shared in common by said means for producing a computed tomography image and said means for producing fluoroscopic images, said support system comprising a base, a guide rail on which said base is movably mounted, and means for moving said base along said guide rail from a first position wherein said examination subject is positioned for producing said computed tomography image and a second position wherein said patient is positioned for producing said fluoroscopic images.   
     
     
       2. An x-ray diagnostics system as claimed in claim 1 for use in an examination room, and wherein said guide rail is disposed at a floor of said examination room. 
     
     
       3. An x-ray diagnostics system as claimed in claim 2 wherein said guide rail is recessed in said floor. 
     
     
       4. An x-ray diagnostics system as claimed in claim 1 for use in an examination room, and wherein said guide rail is disposed at a wall of said examination room. 
     
     
       5. An x-ray diagnostics system as claimed in claim 1 for use in an examination room, and wherein said guide rail is disposed at a ceiling of said examination room. 
     
     
       6. An x-ray diagnostics system as claimed in claim 1 comprising means for temporarily engaging said support system in said first position or said second position. 
     
     
       7. An x-ray diagnostics system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said support system includes a support plate having a longitudinal axis, and electromechanical means for adjusting said support plate along said longitudinal axis, wherein said means for producing fluoroscopic images includes an x-ray exposure unit and electromechanical means for spatially adjusting said x-ray exposure unit, and a joystick for controlling respective movements of said support plate and said x-ray exposure unit when said support system in said second position. 
     
     
       8. An x-ray diagnostics system as claimed in claim 7 wherein said exposure unit is movable in a direction perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said support plate. 
     
     
       9. An x-ray diagnostics system as claimed in claim 8 comprising means for adjusting said support plate along said longitudinal axis given a left/right movement of said joystick and for adjusting said x-ray exposure unit along said direction perpendicular to said longitudinal axis given a forward/backward adjustment of said joystick. 
     
     
       10. An x-ray diagnostics system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for producing fluoroscopic images of said examination subject comprises means for producing angiography images of said examination subject.